"it's important to remember that once you get to the top you're only half way done with the hike". Damn that one hit different

Fear of heights battling with my love of views...

I once climbed this, Everest, and K2 on the same day. Child's play.

THIS should be required viewing for every park visitor.

I did this a long time ago. One thing they didn't mention is that there is a camp ground half way up, so we back packed and did it in 2 days... mo betta.

Just came from Half Dome a few days ago. Great experience! Here is what I recommend 1. Pack as lightly as possible. Packed extra boots, and genuinely regretted it. 2. You also can't leave your bags by the cables, because animals and birds will literally destroy them for food. I made it halfway up the cables and had to go back, because a raven was pecking at my bag!!! 3. Pack bug spray! Without it, you will be eaten alive! 4. There is no such thing as to much water! 5. Bring gloves, don't just expect there to be used and discard gloves when you get there. 6. Believe it or not, going up the stairs to the cables are harder than the cables! Also, going down the cables is MUCH easier than going up. Can't explain why. 7. Even if you think you'll have enough time, bring a flashlight! The hike will always take longer than you think. 8. Bring your ID. That's all the rangers will need to see if you won the lottery. Be safe! Have fun!

My husband and I did this back in 1996. I was shocked at how casual some people were about it, some even wearing flip flops! And when going up/down the cables, kids would just go around you on the outside to pass. It was insane! We left two pennies underneath a ledge at the top, with plans to go back up one day to retrieve them. One had a heart cut out of it and the other was the year we were married (1996). Sadly we won't be going back, but I'm grateful we were able to do it. Who know, maybe someone will come across them one day. 🙃

Hey my family just completed this hike 5/16/2024 with the cables down, it really wasn’t that bad only took us 3 and a half hours to make it to the top and enjoy all the parts of the most trail. Absolutely beautiful

Amazing. National parks is one of the few places I'm proud to have my tax dollars going to.

Congratulations to Yosemite team who shot and edited this masterpiece. i.e. Also to Vicky - she's fantastic in her role as Narrator. Probably saved a lot of lives/broken bones. i.e. People realizing they're not ready for this.

Did this hike in 86. Read some books on safety (surprise storms; fires; hiking techniques. We left the valley on DAY 1, arrived at the upper falls campground; relaxed and acclimated; got up EARLY next morning (DAY 2), hiked to the Dome, with only 3 other people we saw to the TOP; lunch and pix on top, back down (Kissed a DEER at the springs), and to the campground, dinner; DAY 3, relaxed at the upper falls all day listening to the sounds, that night we laid out on some logs and watch satellites pass overhead; DAY 4, early rise and a nice relaxing hike back down. Enjoyable and no rush.

Some advice: bring gloves for the cables. There's a pile of old gloves at the bottom and they're better than nothing, but best is to bring your own. They'll help on the way up but *really* help on the way down.

That used to be my Saturday Morning run from Curry Village to The Visor (Top Front Edge) of Half Dome, and back down. I would immediately turn around even if I was just yards away from the top of the cables if there was a cloud system moving towards the rock. Which happened to me on my last run there. I ran down the hill warning everybody I saw to do the same. The trail down the steps actually turned into a river so you couldn't really be sure of your footing. Didn't stop until I hit the bottom of Nevada Falls. It was freezing cold and the only reason I didn't get hypothermia was I ran the entire time. But as soon as I hit the bottom of Nevada Falls the sun came out and warmed me up. I missed the next weekend and the weather repeated exactly. A guy couldn't hold on going down the cables. It's a nasty fall, you have so much time to think. You slide down the smooth granite almost managing to get a hold of bumps and cracks until it's just to steep and then you are off the cliff face. You do not survive. The sound of a water bottle sliding down that rock is so loud and unsettling, many people stop and turn around. Imagine watching a person. The same can be said for those water falls. They look like perfectly calm pools just before the edge. But all that water is moving as fast as right at the edge. And that granite is polished smooth and is slick like you can't believe. That one wheel gurney comes apart and is carried up in pieces by search and rescue. I ran the wheel up the hill to the sub-dome once to help out Search and Rescue folks. It's the wilderness, it's dangerous. It is not a theme park. I have been inches away from some of the biggest Rattle Snakes I've ever seen up on that trail. I backpack also. I've had a bear run right over the top of my tent with me in it, there. Of course he was terrified of the woman with the frying pan in hot pursuit so he didn't notice my nice peaceful little one man tent. Don't do as others do there. I was driving in one morning for my run in the Valley Floor and Tour busses were stopped in the middle of the road and people were flooding out of them. I knew immediately what it was and raced to shoo the bear away. They have to be killed if they have too many infractions like coming into the people areas. I couldn't believe when I got close, and this Japanese guy is waving for his maybe 4 year old daughter, to get closer to the bear for the photo. Then I've seen adults run out of their cars because they see these cute looking bear cubs. I have seen people in flip flops on the way to Half Dome. I've seen people without water. You see people 2 or 3 hours into a hike when it's going to be dark in an hour. No flashlight. No hiking skills. All that said, it's probably one of my favorite places on Earth. I've met so many people from all over the world there. It's just magical. Take a little bit, learn how to be prepared and then go enjoy.

Before you tackle Half Dome, try out some of the domes along the Tioga Road Rte. 120. Most people haven't even hiked on a dome and they want to tackle the Granddaddy of all domes after hiking 8 miles to get there and an elevation gain of 4800 ft? Lembert Dome is a great hike and you get exposed to dome dynamics, the nature of Yosemite granite, its ruthless slippery factor when wet. When ready to do Half Dome, Buy or rent A Via Ferrata Kit, which is designed specifically for cable assisted climbing. It has energy absorbing lanyard attached to two carabiners you alternately clip and unclip to cables so one is ALWAYS clipped in. That lanyard is attached to a climbing harness that securely wraps around your waist and legs. OSHA rules dictate fall protection equipment on any job. You can't work on a roof or even tall ladder without it. Having the right Via Ferrata safety equipment when climbing Half Dome is invaluable peace-of-mind and will give you confidence at height.

I remember hiking Half Dome from the valley floor. No permit required back in 2001. What a hike!

Maybe they should consider a second set of cables to keep the up going climbers separate from the down going climbers - just a suggestion.

Maybe the park needs to limit the permits even more. That is way too many people trying to go up and down at one time.

Did this great hike years ago. Very inspirational actually. Took just over 9 hours for me round trip while spending an hour on top. My wife and son had the "I hiked Half Dome" t-shirt waiting for me when I returned!

I did this hike 3 times in my life. It's not a hike to do on a whim, or without proper gear or without being in shape. I'm glad I did it but the last trip was so hard on my knees on the way down I was in tears by the time i finished. I highly recommend this hike for those able....at least once in their lives.

Thanks, great video! I did this hike to the top of Half Dome in the 60's as a college student. No permits needed, very few people on the cables, beautiful day. Now I'm a bit older, and know I wouldn't be able to do it again. Seeing that crowd of people, oh my!

Half Dome - Greatest hike I've ever been on - ever! (All advice given in this video is spot on ... and you would see those along the way who were not prepared)

I didn't know Pam Beesley became a park ranger

i hiked Half Dome in July 2016 as my 1st national park visited completed the hike in 12 hours and is was AMAZING since then, ive followed my journey to visit ALL the US National Parks. i'm at 45 of 63 and plan to be done by July 2026 i wanted to hike Half Dome again 10 years later to finish my journey! really hope i can win the hike lottery then, too!!!

Did this back in 2010. It was about 11 hours taking my time to have lunch, take pictures, etc. There was no permit requirement at that time for half dome, but from this video I can see why they do now. There were annoying idiots everywhere back then too. I watched a guy yelling at his out of shape girlfriend half way up the cable climb because she was cowering in fear and decided to make a scene by hugging one of the stanchions and crying. Other idiots were gawking at the rattlesnakes in the Valley section and throwing things at them.

Well, after all that, I’ll stick with watching the video :)

thank you for your service!

Wow, excellent video! Really gives me a feel for how difficult this hike could be. The reward is some gorgeous views.

This was a very well done video! Thanks NPS!

When I was there on June 7th 2020, had to have a wilderness permit to be there, we had the top of Half Dome to ourselves. We ran into a few other but otherwise there was no one in Yosemite. Well, seven tents in the backpackers campground and that was it. Trip of a lifetime that I hope never happens again.

AWESOME and informative video!!

Thank you for this wonderful video ! And thank you for your amazing service!

Very comprehensive, with just the right amount of urgency - thx for sharing!

Great little video you guys!

The sub Dome steps were way harder than the cables when I did the hike. A lot of them are about the same height as 1.5 or 2 'normal' steps and they just sap your energy.

Incredibly cool video material, thank you

absolutely stunning (that lightening story)

Informative video. Beautiful park of the world!

Beautiful mountain. You just have to love the queues. Truly spectacular.

Beautiful Yosemite National Park! Great video and very useful! Excellent filmed! Thanks..

This was such a wonderful and informative video!

Beautiful. The park is nice too.

Christmas Eve, 1980, started the hike and stayed in Little Yosemite Valley, next afternoon, Christmas Day, up to Half Dome. The cables were laying down. Only my friend went up to the top. Still have the pictures.

Fantastic video. Thanks a lot.

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS! The cables are so scary. I love nature but I love myself more LOL.

I did this when i was 13, about almost 7 years ago now! It was very scary at first especially going down. All you need is a good mentality, your hiking gear such as food and LOTS of water, some clothes based on weather, and someone to go with!. To be honest I would do it again.!

Some friends and I did this as a day trip from Santa Cruz with a 4am start. The weather was cooperative on the way up, but not the way down. There was the tiniest cloud on the horizon, then the picnic on top and then the hail and lightening. Everyone freaked out and ran for the cables down. Several people froze up in fear on the steep part causing many to climb around them on the raw granite. One of our group was quite the gentleman and was the second to last down while we waited under a pine in the lightning. Then, not being so much prepared for the wet and just wanting to be done, we ran the whole way back down to the cars and the long drive home. Adventure well earned I suppose.

I think I'd take a safety belt and lanyard to tie off on the cable - not that much extra weight. This is a great video.

Kind of shocked more people don't die on those steps or cables. Probably looks steeper in the video but there were a lot of very uncomfortable people who didn't look happy with their decision to tackle that.

I’ve hiked it half a dozen times and it’s a challenge but very doable. I also run about 25 miles a week, to give you a gauge of the fitness level required.

I've done this hike on two occasions (pre permit). It was spectacular (and grueling) both times. The first time, we did the John Muir Trail (less steps, which does reduce the chance for falls/injuries) on the way up and it was actually 16 miles round trip (I believe from the parking lot it was 18 miles r/t). The second time, we took the Mist Trail up and JMT down, and that was approximately 15 miles r/t. So the MT adds about a mile each way from the trailhead.

Thanks Ranger Jane. Appreciated.

Great video. I'll wave to you all from the Valley floor. I've done the Mist Trail and gone on to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls - and back! - and that was good enough for me.

HELLO friend Good evening thanks so much for great sharing nice hiking in beautiful place FULL watched HERE MY FRIEND

Cool video, I'm a fellow ranger - though I'm with WA State Parks right now! Just subscribed- Thanks for posting this, you're fueling my wanderlust haha - once I get back into top shape, I'll be making my way out here.

Wonderful advise. Most appropriate. My hike up Half Dome was something I'll never forget. Loved every minute. Even when I ran out of water miles short of returning to the Merced River where I pumped long for a much needed drink. Then said hi to some topless young women sun bathing on the river bank before reaching the Upper Pines Campground. Thanks to you rangers and staff for monitoring and maintaining such a fantastic trail.

Best hiking video so far!!

I did a one day-er back in the 90's. It was dark when I got back to my Valley campsite but it was all worth it ! There also a storm threat while I was on the top so I got out of there.

Spectacular x

Thanks for sharing 😁 Vickie is my cousin! 🥰I believe NPS put this video together in 2010 or 2011.

Imagine someone on the edge and then an earth quake happens I hope that never happens

Never got beyond the top of Nevada falls..did it when I was 21 and in fantastic physical shape so managed it just fine BUT the hike to the top of Yosimite Falls the next day took ALL day and kicked my butt....basically hours on end of a maxed out stair climb. So the subdome steps and cable section on Half-Dome are sure to be torture. Its no joke..you need to be in excellent physical condition to do those hikes.

Wonderful

I did it 35 years ago it was glorious.yes a great event hike .do it again ??😊👍🌕

Water. Take lots and lots of water. I drank through my supply half way to the Dome and found the water we gathered and treated along the way, not very refreshing.

I hiked up Half Dome in September 2006 with a park ranger who used to work there. Karen V. I never had a permit to hike it. I had a great time. I wish smart phones were around back then or I would have gotten a lot more pictures.

Permits are not required once they take the steps/poles down on the cables, they hang from November to May. They say "Cables up" when you need permits and the steps/poles are installed, "Cables down" when they just kinda hang there, so you'll need a harness when the cables are "down" but no permit

WOW !!! What I see in the video ( terrain, steepness, altitude and, DANGER ) are definitely 100 times more amplified seeing them in person. The video is exceptional but it just doesn't do any justice as opposed to actually being face to face with such a task. This is a bucket list event not just a hike. Be safe folks

I've done it three times back before the permit days. The first time was with my 7 and 10 year old kids.

Spectacular

Where I used to live in Virginia close to the Shenandoah National Park they had to put signs along the trail that go to and from the waterfall, the hike down wasn't bad but coming back up was very steep and so many were not in shape to hike it, so the signs say if you're overweight or on high blood pressure meds, wear a pacemaker, take blood thinners or take cholesterol meds not to hike the trail.

Very informative

I believe there is an alternate hiking trail called Snake Dike. Couldn't get cable permits, so gonna be trying that.

Great safety tips.

Good to see Pam taking care of Yosemite National Park after working with Office.

Congratulations Vicky.

Great hike to bad you need permission today to do it… Me and a couple friends did it in the 80’s slept on half dome w a rock for a pillow… in those days there we’re a couple stacked rock circles that we slept inside to protect from wind. Hardest parts of the hike were the uneven steps around the falls, and “little Italy” just before the cable climb. So glad we did this trip. Attempted It one other time a year or two earlier but got turned around at little Yosemite by a sheriffs deputy, but that’s a whole nother story…

00:55 “Half Dome is an extremely challenging hike and it can be dangerous.” Alex Honnold: “Hold my ropes.”

Deamn whish to be a Yosemite ranger, it's like living the yogi cartoon days

when i was in the boy scouts in the seventies there used to be a camp area at little Yosemite valley. lots of bears that night. i dont know how anyone can make that hike to the top and back down in one day!

Thanks

Thanks to our Rangers!

This is a very informative video. Well done! Thank you.

Madam, people’s ascent to the top of the mountain is very dangerous and there is no protection on the edges of the mountains, and this affects the pleasure of looking at the video, especially for those who are terrified of looking at the top of the mountain and the people in its outskirts) Thank you for the beautiful program

I hiked this trail...the reward is on top of half dome...the View!

Super introduction, thanks. In the film, few people seem to be using walking poles. Is there a good reason for this?

Well, this hike was on my bucket list. I think I'll find something a little easier. At 60 I'm not as in shape as I was when I put it on my list at 30.

I found the ascent to be easier and faster than the return trip. On the way down the first set of steps my IT bands said "nope". And I hobbled the 8.5 miles back to Happy Isle. I got Trekking poles after that.

Why do we not have the other half of Half Dome here in The Netherlands...we just need something like that here. We are so incredible flat... Just experiencing some beautiful nature like that would make me feel so happy

It's amazing to imagine that Alex Honnold climbed Half Dome without ropes on the vertical side.

@RidgeWalletYT I am now traumatized, thanks. Vickie is all like 'come to our park and try out the 12 hour death walk, good luck!'

You don’t need a permit before May 28th I think.. we hiked it in April with the cables down and mostly buried by snow. We dug our feet and hands in the Snow and did the same backwards on the way down. Good luck 👍🏼

I don't think I would have made it up the cables except for the fact that I'd just done that ridiculous hike. I wasn't about to miss out on the top after hiking up 5000 feet in 8 hours!

I summited Half Dome Cables in 85...Great Walk,,, be safe and be Smart,,,The bottom of the cables is when people need to declare the "Panic Point",,,

8:52 Champion at the Top - love the Pose.

Who did the background music? It’s fire!

Seems crazy that the cable section doesn't require a climbing harness?

Crowdy like on Everest!

Imagine being one of the people who install and regularly inspect these "safety" features on these mountains.

Vicki! You're at Yosemite now? Greetings from Alfonso!

i was repelling off the face years ago & holy shit all my gear in a lightning storm I mean I was wrapped in metal wind some rain but strike after strike on the tip of the point the dome itself seems to just energize & draw electricity, I tried to cover myself under some crags just big enough to fit my body, then man did it get cold, t shirt,shorts, was afraid to even stick my arm out & over my shoulder to get a thin wind breaker, then thought damn what of my belayers on top? They are fully exposed, well needless to say I thought they are going to call the rangers forsure because they have to leave me hanging, pretty cool dudes they hunkered down near the tip rock & waited with me, no radios folks not in the early 90's, whala it came in as swept out almost as fast maybe 25 minutes but I tell ya truly the longest 25 minutes of my life, even longer than sitting in jail in Ukraine or the Philippines, or waiting on an aids test ..it was the 90's folks didn't I say that